Borehole Drilling Cost In Kenya
Grekkon Limited’s borehole drilling cost in Kenya through a mechanical drilling rig is dependent on 2 factors:
- The borehole drilling method
- The geographical drilling location
The borehole drilling method
There are 2 borehole drilling methods;
I. Air drilling / pneumatic percussion drilling is an under-balanced drilling technique (UBD). Here, compressed air or nitrogen is used to cool the drilling bit and extract the cuttings of a well-bore instead of fluids. this is carried on stable ground with a proper rock formation
II. Mud rotary drilling. The fluid is pumped down the hollow drill pipe (kelly) and forced out of jets in the drill bits. It is an open hole reciculatory drilling method. Chemicals used here are; Bentonite clay (Gel), Barium sulphate (Barite), Calcium carbonate (chalk), and Hematite
The location. The further it is from our branches, the higher the mobilisation cost
Our borehole drilling price in Kenya varies with the the drilling method, which is determined by the rock structure
Borehole Drilling Price In Kenya
By Drilling Method
Drilling Method |
What it entails |
Price in KES Per Meter |
1. Air drilling | Drilling on stable ground that has a proper rock formation beneath | KES 6,500 |
2. Mud drilling | Drilling on loose ground that has no or minimal rock beneath |
KES 14,050 |
Borehole Drilling Cost in Kenya
Details
Process | Cost Per Meter- Air drilling method | Cost Per Meter- Mud drilling method | |
1 | Mobilisation | KES 420 | KES 420 |
2 | Drilling | KES 3,220 | KES 11,270 |
3 | Casing | KES 2,269 | KES 2,569 |
4 | Graveling | KES 280 | KES 280 |
5 | Well development | KES 70 | KES 70 |
6 | Test pumping | KES 420 | KES 420 |
7 | Water chemical analysis | KES 21 | KES 21 |
Total | KES 6,700 | KES 15,050 |
- Mobilisation is the movement of human resource and equipment to the borehole drilling site
- Drilling is the actual sinking of the 8″ diameter well in the ground
- Casing is the installation of PVC or metallic 6″ diameter tubes to support the well, keeping it from collapse. Those along the water aquifer are slotted to allow in water into the well. The slots are 1mm to 2mm in size
- Graveling is the application of gravel in the 2″ gap between the well and the casings. Graveling holds the casings in place and also sieves the water
- Well development is the cleaning of the well to remove debris
- Test pumping is the process of pumping out water for 24 hours from the borehole with a large submersible water pump, powered an equally powerful generator. This establishes the water recharge rate (yield of the borehole) given in cubic litres per hour, and the static water level. The test pumping results determine the type of electric or solar submersible water pump install in the well
- Water chemical analysis is the last stage. A sample of water is analysed in the laboratory to determine it’s chemical composition. With these results, a grower assesses the suitability of the water for irrigation for specific crops according to their salt/ salinity tolerance
Cost of Drilling A Borehole in Kenya
By Geographical Location
County | Cost (Min) | Cost (Max) |
Nairobi | KES 6,500 | KES 9,500 |
Kajiado | KES 6,500 | KES 9,500 |
Machakos | KES 6,600 | KES 9,500 |
Kitui | KES 6,800 | KES 9,500 |
Makueni | KES 6,700 | KES 9,500 |
Kiambu | KES 6,500 | KES 9,500 |
Nakuru | KES 6,800 | KES 9,500 |
Kisumu | KES 7,500 | KES 9,500 |
Turkana | KES 8,000 | KES 9,500 |
Bungoma | KES 6,900 | KES 9,500 |
Busia | KES 7,700 | KES 9,500 |
Narok | KES 6,800 | KES 9,500 |
Mombasa | KES 7,500 | KES 9,500 |
Kilifi | KES 7,500 | KES 9,500 |
Kwale | KES 7,600 | KES 9,500 |
Baringo | KES 6,900 | KES 9,500 |
Siaya | KES 7,600 | KES 9,500 |
Homabay | KES 7,600 | KES 9,500 |
Uasin Gishu | KES 6,900 | KES 9,500 |
Solar Dryers For Fruits And Vegetables
Grekkon Limited’s hybrid solar dryers for fruits and vegetables in Kenya are designed to dry faster than the conventional or natural solar dryers. They are enhanced with cyclone roof top vents, and fans on the sides. Hybrid solar dehydrators are efficient for large- scale commercial food drying. This is especially with longer to dry fleshy food like; cassava, banana, tomato, fruits, and rice. Drying time is a factor of the food crop type, and the prevailing ambient temperature during the drying period. The quality of the dry produce is consistent. The dryer works through the greenhouse effect.
Solar Dryers For Fruits And Vegetable In Kenya
Solar Dryer Materials
- UV treated paper on the sides and roof. UV block treatment on the polythene paper extends it’s usable lifetime to 4 years. This treatment prevents UV degradation of the food crop. The polythene paper has anti-drip properties to keep dew from forming on the inside of the paper. Dew drops on the drying food will cause molding.
2. Galvanised steel support structure. Galvanised with food grade aluminum, or zinc
3. Concrete floor for the permanent/ immovable models
4. Heat absorbing and releasing dam liner to line the floor
5. Roof top cyclones. Ensures the air is evenly distributed within so that there are no air pockets. This results in evenness of drying for the produce. We install cyclone roof top vents from a particular solar dryer size
6. Fanning system. This comprises of;
- solar panels; to provide electric DC power
- a control box; to regulate electric current
- an inverter; to convert DC energy form the solar panels to AC to power the fans
- fans; an extraction fan to allow push in air, and an exhaust fan to move out accumulated moisture
7. Nets. High density UV treated nets on the air entry and exit points
8. Drying trays designed with material specific to food drying
Every material used is specific to solar dryers for fruits and vegetables to provide; efficiency, safety, and food quality
How To Use Solar Dryers For Fruits And Vegetables
- Chop or slice the produce into smaller pieces. This increases the surface area for drying
- Place these pieces on the drying trays
- Keep the door closed always to avoid food contamination
- Every drying 3 hours, monitor the moisture content using a moisture meter
Solar Dryers For Fruits And Vegetables
FAQs
1. What are the 2 types of solar dryers?
1.1. Passive solar dryers. They only utilise the sun’s warmth
1.2. Active solar dryers. These ar hybrid solar dryers that utilise both passive drying and biomass generated heat
2. How do you make a solar dryer?
Grekkon limited’s low cost solar dryers in Kenya are made from the following materials
2.1. A zinc or aluminum galvanised steel structure. It is rust free and easy to clean with plain water
2.2. UV treated greenhouse polythene with anti-drip properties. The UV treatment prevents food degradation by the sun’s UV rays. It ensures that the color, taste, scent, and nutritional value remains after the moisture is removed. The anti-drip treatment prevents moisture droplets from condensing on the paper and forming drop that will fall on the food. Such drops cause molding
2.3. A heat absorbent floor. his one absorbs heat during the day, and releases it at night reducing tea variance between day and night temperatures. Dew formation and mold development is aggravated by a huge difference between day and night temperatures
2.4. A UV treated heavy gauge insect net to protect the produce from insect pests. This insect net covers the air vents
For a hybrid solar dryer we add all or part of the following
2.5. A biomass combustion chamber with a pipe that carries the heat to into the solar dryer. This one is used at night when there is no sunshine, or on cloudy, cold or rainy days. It ensures continuous drying irrespective of the prevailing weather
2.6. A solar panel with a battery to power cyclones, and extraction and exhaust fan. This system speeds up the drying process by increasing air ,movement withing the solar drying chamber. And also help in evenness of drying in the chamber
3. What is the size of a solar dryer?
Your solar dryer size will be determined by the weight and volume of product dried per session. The larger it is, the larger will be your solar dryer
4. How do I choose a solar dryer size?
Grekkon Limited guides on the solar dryer size a client will need based on the produce type and drying quantity per session
5. What is the mot popular use of a solar dryer?
To cleanly extract moisture (dehydrate) from farm produce, yet retain all other qualities
6. What type of solar dryer is best?
A hybrid solar dryer is the best because it allows for continuous drying; both day and night, and on cloudy or cold days
How To Install Dam Liners In Kenya
What is dam lining?
It is the lining of the floor and walls of a water pan with a geomembrane material. This material is impermeable and holds the water above it for agricultural use
To cover a reservoir with a dam liner is a simple yet complicated task. Proper dam liner installation in Kenya will guarantee good water collection for irrigation and domestic use. It requires proper coordination so as to achieve the intended objective. Before installation, one must learn how to measure a dam liner so as to determine the area of material needed for the water pan or tank. Grekkon Limited is your number one company in supply and installation of dam liners in Kenya
How do you measure a dam liner?
- Measure the length of the water reservoir
- Measure the width of the water reservoir
- Determine the depth from the center-most part of the water pan which is deemed as the deepest part
- Apply this formula (length+2 depth+2 meters) X (width+2 depth+2meters). The additional 2 meters in each set are for tucking the liner. The dam liner tucking distance from the edges is taken as 1M all around te water pan
Steps on How to Install Dam liners in Kenya
Water Pan Excavation
This is the first step and usually takes the longest time. Excavation is manual with handtools, or with a machine. Most common machines for dam excavation are backhoe loaders, bull-dozers and caterpillars. At excavation, the side walls are inclined at an angle to prevent collapse of the dam.
Read Also: How to join dam liners and Quality dam liners in Kenya by Grekkon Limited
Smoothening Of The Water Pan
This is to remove any sharp objects that damage the dam liner. Pour in water on the floor and sides to soften it.
Trench Making
Trenches are dug round the dam where the dam liner will be installed. The size of the trench will depend on the size of the dam and the dam liner thickness. The most popular trench sizes are 1ft deep by 1ft wide and 1.5ft deep by 1.5ft wide.
How To Install Dam Liners In Kenya
- Place the dam liner in the reservoir. This way, it takes the shape of the reservoir
- The liner must have an allowance for overlap. Bury the overlap in the trench, then cover with soil for a smooth finish. The trench dimensions will be 0.45M to 0.6M deep, and 0.3M wide. Several casual labourers make the process as smooth as possible. Where no trench has been made, support the dam liner with sand/ soil bags to achieve the same result
- Install an inlet and an over flow. The inlet is a pipe from a river, borehole or from the roof gutter section. Dams that trap run off water have a silt trap with several chambers to trap stones, mud and other debris.
How To Weld Dam Liners
- This is done on site at the point of dam liner installation. It is the joining together of the partially welded dam liner pieces from the factory. Site welding is done when the entire dam liner could not be wholly put together in the factory. This is as a result of weight or bulkiness, which limits lifting and transportation of the bulky and heavy material. The weight size of the portable material depends on the thickness of the dam liner. The thicker it is, the less it is
- A wedge welding machine or a heat gun/ heat blower is the equipment that does dam liner welding. A wedge machine is what does it in the factory. The heat gun is highly portable, and so is best for field joinery
Dam liner welding involves melting the liner material under high temperature at the point of joining them. Once melted, the 2 layers are laid one over the other and as they harden, become one unit. The welded joints must be leak free for the dam liner to work effectively in the tank or water pan. Lined water pans are popular as water storage units for agricultural field crops irrigation in a country that has just one or two rainy seasons
Mulching Paper Price In Kenya
Grekkon Limited’s low density polyethylene (LDPE) mulching paper price in Kenya is a factor of plastic mulch paper thickness given in microns. We supply silver on black mulch paper in different thicknesses to high value crop growers in Africa. Our plastic mulch paper is UV treated to prevent rapid solar degradation when in use. Our available thicknesses are; 30 micron, 60 micron and 70 micron. Our mulch paper is in rolls of 1,000M x 1.6M. We cut it longitudinally from this roll according to a grower’s need
I. What is purpose of mulching paper?
- To retain soil moisture by preventing moisture loss through evaporation
- To prevent wed growth
The silver coloured part faces up to reflect excess heat, while the black part faces down to retain warmth
The choice of mulch paper thickness depends on;
- Crop growing duration. For short term, single or 2 season crops, a grower will pick the 30 micron paper which will last as long. For long-term crops such as bi-annuals and perennials, the farmer will install the thickest gauge
- Budget. The thicker it is, the costlier the paper
II.How much mulching paper do I need for 1 acre?
Assume that a nacre measures 63.3M x 63.3M, with 1M wide beds, with paths of 0.5M in between. This gives a total of 42 beds, each running 63M in length. To get the total amount of mulching paper, multiply the number of beds, by the bed length and the width of the mulching paper as below;
42beds x 63.3M x 1.6M = 4,234M sq
III. What is the cost of mulching per acre?
The cost of your mulching paper cost per acre will be 4,234M sq by the cost per meter square of your chosen thickness. These are tabulated below
Mulching paper price in Kenya
Mulch Paper Thickness | Price in Kes |
30 micron | 20/ M SQ |
60 micron | 30/M SQ |
70 micron | 40/ M SQ |
IV. Which crops need mulching?
This is for high value crops. In Kenya, examples are;
- export herbs and spices
- strawberry
- apples
- greenhouse tomato, cucumber, capsicums, and chilies
V. What are the 3 benefits of mulch?
- ensures soil moisture retention
- cuts down weeding costs
- the crops grow faster and more uniformly
VI. What is the disadvantage of mulching paper?
- it is expensive
- it is an environmental hazard after use because it has to be burned
- it does not allow in rain water, so the crop is fully reliant on irrigation
VII. Which is the best mulching paper?
The thicker it is, the longer it lasts. However, budget considerations are made based on how long the cropping season is, and the need to mulch in the next season
VIII. What are the 2 types of mulch?
- organic mulch. This is from crop waste and grass straw
- inorganic mulch. This is made from plastic (LDPE)
IX. How long does plastic mulch last?
Depending on the thickness, it is as follows
30 microns; 2-3 cropping seasons
60 micron; 4-5 cropping seasons
70 micron; > 6 cropping seasons
x. How do you install mulching paper?
- prepare the land to a fine tilth
- make raised beds, and remove any large soil clods. These will cause air trapping in the paper
- cover the top and sides of the bed with the mulching paper
- perforate holes on the plastic mulch where the crop will be planted
Our mulching paper price in Kenya is similar across all our branches countrywide
Coco Peat Price In Kenya
Grekkon Limited’s coco peat price in Kenya is per kg of dry material. As the largest coco peat supplier in Kenya, we keep the moisture level to the lowest level for greater value. The fiber content varies according to the growers need because we tailor this. Our coco peat for sale in Kenya is available from 5kg bags, and our cost of coco peat in Kenya is as wholesale or retail
Advantages of coco noir
- It is easy to make
- When well treated, it has near zero diseases and pests
- It is easily available
- Seedlings established in, or plants grown hydroponically in coco peat grow 50% faster than in soil. This is because it is highly porous allowing for vigorous root growth and rot air supply
- It has a high water holding capacity
- It is environmentally friendly because it is a 100% natural product
- Coco peat neutralises soil acidity
Disadvantages of coco noir
- It is a more expensive option than soil
- If not well treated, it can harbor pests and diseases
- Getting the right EC and moisture levels is difficult
- It is rich in sodium and potassium salts
How to make coco peat soil
- Collect coconut husks
- Cut them up to smaller pieces
- Clean them in water to remove dirt and other debris
- Sun dry them
- Run them in the grinding machine
- Sieve the product to separate the coco peat from the fibers. The choice of sieve depends on the amount of fiber needed in the final product
We process our coco peat in Kilifi and Kwale counties, empowering hundreds of coconut farmers who supply our processing plant with raw material. Our production process provides the best coco peat for sale in Kenya. The final material is applied my hundreds of farmers for production of seedlings and mature crop growing. The table below provides details of our final coco peat material after processing
Coco Peat Price In Kenya:
Cost of Coco Peat and Material Specs Tabulation
1kg of coco peat price | Kes 80 |
PH | 6.3 – 6.7 |
Electrical conductivity (EC) | 1.6 – 2.0 |
Expansion ratio | 2.5 – 3 |
Moisture content | <5% |
Compression volume | 28L |
Fiber content* | <3% |
Sand content | <1% |
* the fiber content is tailored to the growers need. Seedling nurseries require <3%, while potted plants or a growing crop will do up-to 30%
Our coco peat price is discounted for large volume purchases
Coco Peat Price In Kenya
FAQs
I. How do you treat coco peat before planting?
Step 1.
Soak it overnight in water. Unwashed coco peat has high levels of sodium, potassium and chloride which make it highly saline. High salinity = high pH (>7.0). High salinity locks up many nutrients making them unavailable to the crop
Step 2.
Dissolve 2.5g of calcium nitrate for every liter of water. This is arrest excess sodium or potassium chloride salts in it, and to increase nitrogen. Again, plants grown in coco peat tend to become deficient in calcium or magnesium as they grow
Step 3.
Rinse it in running water until the brown coloration disappears
In nurseries, coco peat is input in seedling trays, while in greenhouses, this is in troughs.
II. How much does 1kd coco peat expand?
1kg of coco peat expands to 5kgs
III. Can I plant directly in coco peat?
No because it does not have nutrients for the crop. This is only possible under hydroponic growing where nutrients are supplied to the crop often. Coco peat alone is used for germinating seeds
IV. What are the disadvantages of coco peat?
- it is high in potassium
- if not properly sanitised, it will harbour pests and diseases
- it is more costly to germinate wit than soil
- during processing, it is difficult to attain the right pH and moisture content
V. How long can coco peat last?
Coco peat begins to break down after 10 years. It is therefore be reused over 4 years, because it resists accumulation of crop harmful bacteria and fungi
VI. Can we mix coco peat and soil?
Yes, at a ratio of 3 parts of soil to 1 part of coco peat. This is done as a soil amendment measure; to loosen the top soil
VII. Can seeds germinate in coco peat only?
Yes, coco peat is perfect medium for seeds germination. This is because it re-wets very easily
VIII. How much water do you put in coco peat only?
Apply water at a ration of 3.5litres for every 5kgs of coco peat
IX. Can I use coco peat only instead of soil?
Yes in hydroponic crop production. Crops under hydroponic production grow 50% faster than they would in soil
X. Which plants grow well in coco peat?
Potted plants, and ornamentals such as ferns, cactus, orchids, bromeliads, anthuriams and others
XI. Do you need to wash coco peat?
Yes to remove excess salts. Clean it in running water until the water is clear
XII. Is growing in coco peat better than in soil?
It is better, but expensive because nutrients and water have to be added frequently. Coco peat has little and few nutrients of its own, and it dries out fast. Hydroponic plants grown with coco peat grow faster, they have higher yields, they enjoy a neutral pH, and their roots extend easily
XIII. How often do you water coco peat?
Every 4 to 5 days
XIV. What is the best fertiliser for coco peat?
Granular NPK fertiliser with a ratio of 2-1-1 is best. Apply both fast and slow nitrogen releasing fertilisers
Pop-Up Sprinkler Kits In Kenya
Grekkon Limited’s pop-up sprinkler kits in Kenya are designed for lawns and gardens. As a lawn irrigation company in Kenya, we design your lawn irrigation system layout, then install your pop up sprinklers. Our pop-up sprinklers have inlet sizes of; 1/2″, and 3/4″. This inlet size determines the amount of water discharged, and the pop up sprinkler radius.
Components of a Lawn Irrigation Kit
- Electric surface water pump. The size of the electric water pump, and motor power is determined by the area under irrigation
- HDPE pipe; your HDPE pipe diameter size is from 32mm (1″) in diameter to 63mm/ 2″ depending on the size of the area under irrigation. The pipe’s thickness is PN8 through PN16 depending on the pressure power of the electric water pump
- HDPE fittings; 32mm (1″) tees, elbows, adaptors and end caps. They connect the HDPE pipe to the water pump, to each other, and to the pop-up sprinklers
- Timer. This is for an automated system. It switches the pop-up sprinkler irrigation system on and off according to the timings set
Pop-up Sprinkler Kits In Kenya
Pop-up Kit Prices Tabulation
-
Area In Meters Square Number of Pop up Sprinklers Pop up Sprinkler Inlet Size Cost In Kes 50 1 1/2″ 12,000 100 1 3/4″ 18,000 500 (1/8 acre) 5 3/4″ 75,000 1,000 (1/4 acre) 9 3/4″ 125,000
The given pop-up sprinkler kits cost includes an electric water pump
Types of Pop-Up Sprinklers
There are 2 types of pop-up sprinklers by Grekkon Limited
-
Spray irrigation heads
Spry irrigation heads have a working pressure of 14M to 20M head. They they are for small to medium sized spaces. Each is placed at a maximum distance of 4.5M from each other. Spray irrigation heads give out a fine mist, fast, and irrigate evenly. They are not recommended on windy days or windy locations
-
Spray rotary heads
They are rotary with a working pressure from 20M head, and are for medium to large spaces. This is because they deliver water slowly in a stream, instead of a fine mist. Spray rotary heads are good for slow draining soils and slopes. Their spacing is from 6M
Pop-Up Sprinklers Spacing
As shown above, the sprinkler spacing is a factor of the type of sprinkler, and also the size. Sprinklers’ spray will overlap to avoid ‘dry blind spots’
The spray jet from each sprinkler should extend to the other sprinkler for full coverage
How To Install Pop-Up Sprinklers
Our sub-surface pop-up sprinklers kit is piping is 40cm below ground level as illustrated below
The sprinklers have laterals to a HDPE main line. This pipe’s diameter is according to the amount of water needed
The laterals from the main line carry water to the sprinklers. This depth secures the pipes against damage from the surface
Steps To Repair A Pop-up Sprinkler Head
When pop-up sprinklers age, the heads will sometimes, get stuck in position so it doesn’t rotate, chip or break. If this oocurs, follow these steps below to fix your pop-up sprinkler head
- Cut out a circular area around the pop-up sprinkler, about 15cm to 20cm in diameter
- Remove the intact grass around the sprinkler. This way, you’ll return it as it was after the repairs to the same location
- Unscrew the faulty sprinkler from it’s rider
- Replace the old head with a new one of a similar size
- Screw back the new sprinkler
- Adjust the new sprinkler head to direct the spray where you need it
- Turn on the water to test the new sprinkler, to remove any dirt/ debris, and to check for any leakages on your new connection
- Return the cut out grass
Pop-up Sprinkler Kits In Kenya
FAQs
1. How deep do pop-up sprinklers need to be?
Not more than 40cm below surface. This avoids accidental punctures of the pipe, and allows easy assessment or improvement
2. How many pop-up sprinklers can you put on one zone?
The number of pop-up sprinklers installed by Grekkon Limited in a unit area are a factor of;
2.1. Pop-up sprinkler inlet diameter/ size. The larger the diameters, the lessor the units needed
2.1. Water pump size. The larger it is, the more sprinklers it runs per unit area
2.3. Location factors. presence of obstacles such as trees, rocks, hedges and so on
3. How long should you run pop-up sprinklers?
This depends on the discharge rate of the sprinkler. The 9L per minute sprinklers need 15 to 20 minutes to completely water a section. The 2.5L per minute ones need an hour
4. How much water does a pop-up sprinkler use per minute?
The average is 5.5 litres
5. What height should pop-up sprinklers be set at?
10cm above ground when irrigating
6. How much pressure do pop-up sprinklers need?
This is 20M to 35M head
7. Can you mow over pop-up sprinklers?
Yes you will mow over it, but have the motor off
Dam Liners Prices in Kenya
Dam liners prices in Kenya for irrigation by Grekkon Limited vary annually by raw material cost. These dam liners will be installed on reservoirs, or water tanks. Their purpose is to prevent water loss through absorption by the soil surface.
Our dam liner material is high density UV treated geomembrane. UV treatment is to slow down degradation by the sun during external use. Grekkon Limited’s dam liners for sale in Kenya are categorised according to thickness
Dam Liner Prices in Kenya
Liner Thickness | Material Cost In Kes | Welding Cost In Kes | Installation Cost In Kes | AMOUNT In Kes |
0.5mm | 220 | 30 | 30 | 280 |
0.75mm | 300 | 30 | 30 | 360 |
1mm | 380 | 30 | 30 | 440 |
Notes
- Welding cost applies when the liner required is wider than 8M
- Installation cost is charged when a Grekkon Limited technician installs the liner
Dam Liners Material Thickness Application
- 0.5mm liners are for smooth surfaces without stones or rocks. It will work on a surface with murram. The life span is 8 to 12 years
- 0.75mm liners are for rough surfaces with some stones or rocks. The lifespan is 15 to 20 years
- 1mm liners are for stony or rocky surfaces. The lifespan is over 25 years
The choice of liner thickness is a factor of the liner size. A liner holding 10,000 cubic is thicker than one holding 500 cubic
Dam Liners Prices In Kenya
Processes Every Grower Should Know
I. How to calculate your dam liner size
- Measure your reservoir length (L), width (W) and depth (D) in meters
- Apply the formula; (L+2D+2) + (W+2D+2). This converts your 3D measurement to 2D
II. Steps to install your dam liner
- Clean up your reservoir floor to remove any debris that will perforate the liner
- Lay your liner at the center on the floor of the reservoir
- Spread it out to cover the entire floor, and the walls
- Make a trench 1M away from the edge of the reservoir, all around it
- The trench measure 30cm/ 1ft deep by 30cm/ 1ft wide
- Tuck your liner in this trench, then cover it with lots of soil
III. How To Weld Dam Liners
- Factory welding. Depending on the dam liner size, weld it whole or partially in the factory. The weight and volume of the welded material must be easily portable on site. The latter factor guides on how much of the dam liner material will be put together in the factory
- Site or field welding. This is done on site at the point of dam liner installation. It is the joining together of the partially welded dam liner pieces from the factory. Site welding is done when the entire dam liner could not be wholly put together in the factory. This is as a result of weight or bulkiness, which limits lifting and transportation of the bulky and heavy material. The weight size of the portable material depends on the thickness of the dam liner. The thicker it is, the less it is
- A wedge welding machine or a heat gun/ heat blower is the equipment that does dam liner welding. A wedge machine is what does it in the factory. The heat gun is highly portable, and so is best for field joinery
Dam liner welding involves melting the liner material under high temperature at the point of joining them. Once melted, the 2 layers are laid one over the other and as they harden, become one unit
IV. How to Harvest Water Using Dam Liners
Factors to consider that will affect your dam liners prices in Kenya
a. Land size
The amount of water required for half an acre is less than that needed for 20 acres. The latter will harvest more water to irrigate the greater acreage, and the former will have less water harvested. The bigger the volume of water reserved, the larger the dam liner size
b. Location
The amount of rain fall is different in every climatic zone. Growers in the cool wet highlands have just a few dry months in the year, while farmers in the dry zones have more dry months than wet. In regions where the interval between rains is long, larger reservoirs are built for the same acreage as that in the cool wet location. Again, dry locations have very high water loss through evaporation. In this case, it is advised to set up a shade net over the water reservoir to manage this water loss
c. Ground Elevation
The farm gradient determines the location of the water pan. Some choose to have it at the lowest part so as to capture run-off water. If it is for crop irrigation, this water is either pumped uphill to a tank from where it flows back by gravity to the crop. Or it is pumped directly to the crop from the water reservoir. Others choose to locate the water pan on the highest point of the farm so that the water, through gravity flows out to the crop. In this case, the farmer does not retain run-off rain water from the farm. On a flat terrain, irrigation water is physically pumped out to either a high storage tank for onward gravity flow to the crop. Or directly to the crop
d. Farming System
The size of the water pan will differ for irrigation, compared with aquaculture or livestock production
e. Crop Type
Some crops are more water demanding such as leafy vegetables, than others such as herbs. Then some crops like onion are densely spaced while others are like avocado are sparsely populated in the farm. This will determine the water requirement
f. Irrigation System
Every irrigation system has it’s own unique water use. Drip irrigation conserves water while overhead irrigation through sprinklers or rain hose kits spends huge water volumes
g. Surface Texture
The surface texture of the water pan determines the dam liner thickness to install. For a smooth surface, a 0.5mm dam liner is ok. Where the surface is stony or rocky, then the 0.75mm or 1mm dam line is better
Adjustable Button Drippers For Irrigation
1. What is a button drip emitter?
Adjustable button drippers for irrigation are irrigation accessories attached onto a high density polyethylene (HDPE) pipe. They deliver a consistent and uniform amount of water the crop by regulating the flow. Button drippers in Kenya, button drip are common in fruit trees, forestry and hedges irrigation
2. How do you install button drippers?
A perforation is made on the HDPE pipe with a drip punch, then the button dripper’s pointed end is pushed into this hole. This punching is done at the point where the tree crop is. But it will be away from the trunk to ensure that water flows to the roots below. The button dripper will be 3-6 inches away from the trunk. This will also prevent fungal infections and other types of diseases.
For younger tree crops, a single button dripper or emitter is sufficient. However, with older larger trees, 2 or more button drippers are provided according to the plant’s water need. In this case, have them equally on the opposite sides of the tree crop to promote even root growth. Two or multiple button drippers ensure that if one is blocked, the other one or the rest continue to water
3. How do you use an adjustable button dripper?
Once in place on the irrigation line, you will adjust your button dripper from 0 discharge to 70 liters per hour flow of water. This is done by turning the dripper to achieve different flow rates as per the crop water needs
4. How long should button drippers run?
Your adjustable button drippers for irrigation will run for 30 minutes to an hour. This is guided by the moisture requirement of the soil, as per the prevailing weather conditions
5. How many button drippers can I run on one line?
This is determined by the diameter size of the irrigation pipe. The larger it is, the more water it ferries over a longer distance. Therefore, the greater the number of button drippers. The other factor is the flow rate of the adjustable button drippers themselves. If adjusted to maximum flow rate (70L per hour), then the line will have less. If the adjustment is to half of that flow rate, then a similar line will carry twice as much
6. How do I increase the pressure in my button drip irrigation system?
They are several ways to raise the irrigation water pressure in your button drip irrigation system
i. Divide the farm into blocks, each of which is irrigated separately. This way, irrigation water is channeled to particular block under high pressure
ii. If it is by gravity flow, then by raising the storage elevation. This will work where raised water tanks are the source of irrigation water
iii. By introducing an external source of pressure, such a s water pump to boost the flow of irrigation water in the system
Adjustable button drippers for irrigation price in Kenya
The cost of a button dripper is Kes 12 a unit
The cost of a button dripper irrigation system per acre depends on the tree crop spacing. In the tabulation below, we provide 3 examples
Avocado | Passion / Paw Paw |
Apple / Tree Tomato | ||
Spacing | 5M x 5M | 3M x 3M | 2.5M x 2.5M | |
Cost per Acre | Kes 85,000 | Kes 100,000 | Kes 115,00 |
Shade Nets In Kenya
As the top among all shade net suppliers in Kenya, Grekkon Limited’s shade nets in Kenya are of different types and color. We have all types of shade nets for agriculture, for the production of both food, and none food crops. Below, we answer commonly asked questions
1. What are shade nets?
They are HDPE, UV treated woven or knitted netting material that regulate the amount of light and heat from the sun, air and moisture. Shade nets reduce the temperature delta (difference between day and night temperatures), thereby avoiding a sudden temperature variation, so that plants don’t suffer from thermal shock A good degree of beneficial moisture is trapped between the ground and the net. They are water permeable so that rain water, and irrigation water will reach the crop and keep it hydrated
2. What are shade nets used for?
- In the nursery to protect seedlings from direct radiation, and harden seedlings
- In orchards and farms to protect crops from intense sunlight as well as bird and insect pests
- Shade net fencing. On a fence to block excessive wind on the crop, and to reduce the farm’s view from outside
- To cover water reservoirs or water tanks so as to reduce water loss by evaporation
- In livestock production to protect them against extreme heat
3. How much do shade nets cost in Kenya?
Tabulated below are our shade net prices in Kenya are per meters squared, by type
% Shade | Cost per M Sq In Kes |
30% | 72 |
55% | 86 |
75% | 100 |
90% | 170 |
Grekkon Limited’s shade nets are available as 50M x 4M rolls in all our branches country wide
4. What is the cost of shade net per acre?
Our shade nets for sale in Kenya by per acre are measured as 4,100M sq
% Shade | Cost per Acre In Kes |
30% | 295,200 |
55% | 352,600 |
75% | 410,000 |
90% | 697,000 |
5. What are the types of shade nets?
By material
- Woven shade nets. They are made from polypropylene, are heavier and allow heat build up. They withstand the most extreme exposure to the sun, and have minimum shrinkage. Woven shade nets are for shading of plants, pet kennels, windscreens, patios and for privacy. Woven shade nets are 30% heavier than knitted shade nets, and are difficult to install
- Knitted shade nets. They are made up lightweight polyethylene. They have an open lock-stitch design that resists wind damage, and reduces heat build up in the net. The level of shrinkage is 2% to 3%. Knitted shade nets have better longevity in agricultural use as they resist agro-chemicals and detergents. They are preferred for shade houses, and greenhouses.
Grekkon Limited’s shade nets are all knitted with monofilament fabric which is durable due to he thicker thread. A thicker thread has a longer process of photo oxidation as compared to a thinner thread, hence the longer lifespan
By % shade
- 90% shade nets are appropriate for crop nurseries located in low altitude or extremely hot locations
- 75% shade nets are preferred for nurseries in high to mid altitude locations that are also hot. They are also used in the hardening stage of seedlings in hot low altitudes. This will grow ferns, orchids and succulents
- 55% shade nets are for hardening of nursery crops, or for growing plants in very hot locations for crops that are sensitive to intense sunlight. Good for growing cabbage, geraniums, lettuce, foliage plants, cuttings, orchids and most potted plants
- 30% shade nets are for growing crops that need just a little bit of shading, yet lots of light for photosynthesis. Great for growing heat tolerant plants like tomato, pepper, roses, strawberry, cucumber and squash
By color
- Black
- Green
The color choice does not affect the performance for these two. Both allow all light wavelengths go through. However, brightly colored shade nets like white and aluminum reflect the sun’s heat creating a cooling effect
6. How do shade nets work?
They absorb or reflect the sun’s heat. They act as filters by depriving the plants of excess sunlight
Shade Nets In Kenya
How To Select The Right Shade Net
- Crop type. Some crops require more shade than others
- Stage of growth. Seedlings will be more shaded than mature crops
- Farming method. A shade net on a greenhouse will be lighter than that in the open field for the same crop
- Season. Denser nets will go with hotter seasons
- Location. Hot low altitude locations will have denser nets than higher altitude cooler places
- Usage. The wind break net, the water reservoir cover net, the greenhouse cover net, and the open field net will differ
Our shade nets are green or black in color. The color has no bearing on the net effectiveness, but is rather for aesthetic reasons. Shade nets are supported by steel, or wooden frames for shade houses
Cost Of Drip Irrigation Per Acre
The cost of drip irrigation per acre in Kenya varies from crop to crop. Grekkon Limited is the top most of all drip irrigation kits suppliers in Kenya. Our drip irrigation system price in Kenya depends on the crop type. For tree crops and hedges, button drippers are installed. In vegetable crops, pre-perforated drip pipes are laid. The emitter spacing on the pre-perforated drip lines is either; 15cm, 20cm, or 30cm. A grower selects according to the vegetable crop type spacing.
We provide our growers a choice of single or double emitter drip irrigation tapes. Double emitter drip lines are helpful in high saline irrigation water locations where salt precipitates form and clog drip emitters. When one emitter is clogged, then the other one continues to irrigate at the same rate. Drip irrigation pipes for sale in Kenya by Grekkon Limited are PVC, and HDPE types
Cost of Drip Irrigation Per Acre
Determining Factors
- Crop type.It determines the crop spacing. Is it a fruit or vegetable garden? Fruit trees and fruit vines or runners such as melons 🍉 take less drip tape per acre. So they have the least cost. Vegetable crops take more drip lines, and are thus more expensive
- Pipe type. It is a PVC or HDPE mainline, and sub-mainline? The former is more expensive to work with
- Water pressure available. The higher the pressure, the less the number of irrigation blocks. Less irrigation blocks per acre means less fittings and accessories, so it’s less expensive. With low pressure, more irrigation blocks are created, at a higher unit cost
I. An Eighth To One Acre Drip Irrigation Kit Prices
Crop Type | Drip Lines Per Bed | Acreage | Cost in Kes |
Watermelon | 1 | 1/8 | 15,000 |
1/4 | 25,000 | ||
1/2 | 45,000 | ||
1 | 85,000 | ||
Tomato, cabbage, chilies, capsicum, green beans, peas | 2 | 1/8 | 25,000 |
1/4 | 40,000 | ||
1/2 | 75,000 | ||
1 | 140,000 | ||
Onion, garlic, herbs, spices, strawberry | 1/8 | 27,500 | |
3 | 1/4 | 45,000 | |
1/2 | 85,000 | ||
1 | 160,000 |
II. Fruit Tree Button Drip Kit Irrigation Prices
Crop Type | Acreage | Cost in Kes |
Tree Tomato/ Pawpaw/ Passion/ Coffee | 1/8 | 15,000 |
1/4 | 25,000 | |
1/2 | 45,000 | |
1 | 85,000 | |
Avocado | 1/8 | 15,000 |
1/4 | 25,000 | |
1/2 | 40,000 | |
1 | 70,000 |
FAQS
a. How much does it cost to install a drip irrigation system in Kenya?
The tabulated cost of drip irrigation per acre in Kenya includes the cost of installation by our technicians. We conduct our installations in all of east Africa, for every grower. After installation, our agronomy team provides 4 months of free agronomy training for new farmers.
b. How much does drip irrigation cost per hectare?
The cost of drip irrigation per hectare is 2.5 times the cost provided per acre
c. How many drip lines per acre?
This is determined by the crop type. 3,000M for 1 drip row per bed, 6,000M for 2 drip rows per bed, and 8,000M for 3 drip rows per bed
4. What is the maximum length of a drip irrigation line?
Your 16mm drip irrigation line will run for 25 to 27M under gravity flow, where the head is below 10M. From 10M head, this will go up to 50M
5. How far apart are drip irrigation holes?
Our emitter spacing is; 15cm, 20cm, and 30cm
6. How do I calculate drip irrigation?
- Determine the emitter spacing, for example 15cm
- Divide the drip length by this spacing to determine the number of emitters per roll. In our case, 1,000M divided by 0.15M= 6,667 emitters
- Multiply the emitters by the number of rolls per acre, for example 6 rolls, so 40,000 emitters per acre
- Multiply the emitter flow rate by the total number of emitters to get the amount of water discharged per hour. For example 1.5 litres per hour x 40,000= 60,000 litres per hour
7. Which pipe is best for drip irrigation?
HDPE pipes are the best as main and sub main lines because they have UV treatment. This means that they will be used either as surface or sub-surface pipes
8. Can you run a drip line uphill?
Yes. But the head of the flow must be higher than the vertical height of the slope
9. What pipe size should I use for drip irrigation?
The size of the pipe installed is determined by the area under irrigation. The larger it is, the larger the pipes used
10. How do I know how long to run drip irrigation?
This is determined by the existing level of soil moisture. Run it for 20 minutes to 1 hour according to the amount of water needed
11. How do I increase the pressure in my drip irrigation system?
They are several ways to raise the irrigation water pressure in your drip irrigation system
i. Divide the farm into blocks, each of which is irrigated separately. This way, irrigation water is channeled to particular block under high pressure
ii. If it is by gravity flow, then by raising the storage elevation. This will work where raised water tanks are the source of irrigation water
iii. By introducing an external source of pressure, such a s water pump to boost the flow of irrigation water in the system